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Associated Press

FAIRBANKS, Alaska- Village public safety officers in Alaska's interior say they should be able to carry guns while on the job.

Officials are exploring new regulations that would allow the 12 village public safety officers in the interior to carry firearms. The officers already wear Alaska State Troopers-style uniform and have the power to make arrests.

Sgt. Jody Potts coordinates the Interior's VPSO program through the nonprofit Tanana Chiefs Conference. She says eight of the 12 village public safety officers responded to a survey on the issue and all supported the rule change.

Potts says the VPSOs operate in remote villages, responding to volatile situations with no backup. She says they need to be allowed to protect themselves.